BREAKING: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have just completed their final live broadcast on Strictly Come Dancing, leaving fans and colleagues emotional during the heartfelt farewell on December 17, 2023.
In a moving send-off, the beloved duo expressed gratitude for their time on the show, calling it “an absolute dream.” Both hosts confirmed earlier this year that they would step down, stating it “feels like the right time” to move on. This evening’s grand finale showcased celebrity contestants, including Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, as well as Karen Carney with Carlos Gu, all vying for the coveted glitterball trophy.
The finale culminated with Karen Carney emerging victorious, expressing her disbelief: “I cannot believe it, I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey.” As the celebrations unfolded, Tess and Claudia delivered their final goodbyes, visibly moved by the occasion and an unexpected message from Queen Camilla.
“Most importantly, from both of us, thank you at home for watching. It has been such an honour and an absolute pleasure,” Tess stated, while Claudia added, “All that’s left to do now is please keep dancing and celebrate our fantastic winners.”
The emotional atmosphere intensified as the judging panel, including beloved judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, expressed their affection for the long-time hosts. Anton, fighting back tears, said, “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess. Spending the last 21 years with you, I love you.”
Claudia was also surprised during the broadcast when dancers dressed as her interrupted her, leading to a light-hearted moment that showcased the fun atmosphere of the show. Earlier reports hinted at a significant surprise, ensuring their farewell would be memorable.
Reflecting on their journey, Tess, who recently earned a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving host of the series since its inception in 2004, and Claudia, who joined in 2014, shared heartfelt messages on social media, thanking the BBC and the production team.
“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they wrote. “We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other.”
As fans react to the emotional finale, speculation grows about who might replace Tess and Claudia, with names like Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, and Holly Willoughby being mentioned. The final episode, which is packed with sentiment and surprises, is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as fans and celebrities alike celebrate the legacy of Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing.
